New laser devices mounted on Russian icebreakers, which would cut through the ice as they plough their way through the frozen seas, may soon support Russia’s bid for Arctic dominance.

“We were the first to prove that such a solution is both technically feasible and economically sound,” said Lev Klyachko, head of TsNII Kurs – a Russian developer of maritime equipment ranging from electronic warfare weapons and amphibious armor kits, to radar and satellite navigation instruments.

“The idea behind the device it to have a powerful laser cut through the ice ahead of the ship, which allows it to easily break through,” he told RIA Novosti in an interview.